Congress Passed a Government Funding Package Ending the Longest Shutdown in History

This update, shared by our partners at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, highlights key developments in Congress's recent government funding package.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Congress passed a government funding package ending the longest shutdown in history. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-40 and the House by a vote of 222-209.

The bill (summary here, and full text here) will extend current funding levels for most federal agencies and programs through Jan. 30, 2026. The funding package includes three full-year appropriations bills that will fully fund the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction projects and operations of Congress through Sept. 30, 2026.

The bill guarantees backpay for furloughed workers, requires the administration to rehire federal workers who were laid off through reduction in force (RIF) efforts since Oct. 1, and prevents future RIFs during the CR (through Jan. 30, 2026).

Notably, this bill progressed despite lacking any extension of the Affordable Care Act premium tax subsidies (although Republican leadership has promised a December vote). These subsidies will expire on Dec. 31 absent further congressional action prior to that date. Members of both chambers are continuing active negotiations over a possible extension of the subsidies.

The funding package also extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Jan. 30, 2026. This includes delaying the requirement that patients receiving mental health services via telehealth must have at least one in-person visit in the six months preceding their first telehealth appointment. We anticipate that telehealth claims that have been on hold may be paid retroactive to Oct. 1. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will likely need to issue guidance clarifying whether these claims can be paid now, or if a provider rendered a service that held a claim on or after Oct.1, if it can now be submitted for reimbursement. We will keep you updated on any CMS guidance issued over the coming days.

States Hope to Use Rural Health Money to Keep Doctors, Combat Chronic Disease

In their competition for rural health care dollars from a new federal fund, states are seeking money to bolster emergency services, address chronic diseases, and recruit and train more doctors and nurses.

All 50 states submitted their applications to the federal government last week to get shares of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program.

Congress created the program in response to concern from rural health care providers — as well as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle — about the effects of Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Donald Trump signed this summer.

A Stateline analysis of 10 states’ applications to the Rural Health Transformation Program found common focus areas, including expanding mobile health care access and bolstering emergency medical services. States also focused on chronic disease prevention programs, technological advancements, and rural clinician recruitment. Rural leaders say the infusion of federal dollars is welcome — but isn’t enough to offset Medicaid cuts.

Ohio Submits Rural Health Transformation Plan

Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, the Ohio Department of Health submitted Ohio’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) proposal (summary) this week along with the Governor’s letter of support.  Ohio’s proposal aligns our proposal with four of the RHTP stated strategic goals, which include:  Making Rural America Health Again; Sustainable Access; Workforce Development; and Innovative Care and Tech Innovation.  The RHTP project narrative outlines the specific initiative and objectives that will be the focus over the next five years, which include building on existing state investments in proven models, such as school-based health centers, home visiting, telehealth, and value-based reimbursement.  There are also specific goals related to rural healthcare workforce pipelines, expanding scope of practice particularly for pharmacists and EMS, increasing use of HIE, and improving collaboration across hospitals, FQHC, behavioral health, and other social service providers.

As a reminder, the federal RHTP was passed under HR 1 to make a $50B investment over five years to support rural health providers in the wake of other changes, particularly to the Medicaid program.  Half of the funds will be awarded to states based on a formula established by CMS and the other half will be distributed based on this application process.  Funds must be used to support policy and practices outlined through the state’s RHTP plan.  State will receiving funding each year based on their progress in achieving the goals outlined in the state’s RHTP plan.  All 50 states submitted applications for these funds. 

ODH developed this proposal in collaboration with the Ohio Departments of Medicaid, Behavioral Health, Aging, Veterans Services, Development Disabilities, Insurance, Education and Workforce, and Higher Education.  Additionally, over 200 stakeholders submitted responses to a survey.  ODH will continue serve as the lead agency for project implementation once Ohio’s RHTP plan is approved by the end of 2025.  ODH anticipates several RFPs will be released in the future.

Ohio Prevention Conference: December 10-11, 2025

Join Prevention Action Alliance and the Department of Behavioral Health for two inspiring days at the 2025 Ohio Prevention Conference. Prevention professionals from across the state will come together to learn, connect, and collaborate. With three dynamic keynote speakers and 32 engaging breakout sessions, there’s something for everyone—no matter your focus or experience level.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insightful, actionable strategies to advance prevention and strengthen Ohio’s communities. Network with passionate peers, share ideas, and be part of a statewide movement to build resilience and move prevention forward.

Dates & Location:

• December 10–11, 2025
• Hyatt Regency Columbus

Registration:

https://preventionactionalliance.org/event/ohio-prevention-conference-2025/ 

*Registration closes at 11:59PM on Friday, November 28, 2025.